Joint statement by Commissioners Štefan Füle and Cecilia Malmström on the adoption by the Turkish Parliament of the law on foreigners and international protection

The Commission welcomes the adoption yesterday by the Turkish Parliament of the law on foreigners and international protection.

This law is a clear sign of Turkey’s efforts to establish a sound legal and institutional framework for migration and asylum. This law and the institutions that it provides for indicate Turkey’s clear commitment to build an effective migration management system in line with EU and international standards. In this context the Commission also welcomes the advanced steps taken by Turkey in the field of respect of human rights.

It is also worth noting that the adoption of these key reforms takes place amid substantial and commendable efforts deployed by Turkey to provide assistance and protection to a very high number of people fleeing the conflict in Syria.

The Commission is confident that, once properly implemented, this law will also address several issues identified in the Commission Roadmap for visa liberalisation which will constitute the basis for the visa liberalisation dialogue once this will start.

The Commission is ready to extend its support with all necessary instruments to Turkey in its quest to reshape its migration and asylum management.